ANDY Lonsdale is Hereford United’s new owner after Alpha Choice Finance ended their association with the club.

The 50-year-old chairman confirmed the news to the Hereford Times yesterday (Wednesday) morning, adding that more will be revealed in the coming days. Alpha Choice Finance said they had ended their association after ‘many weeks of harassment and misinformation.’

The statement reads: “On December 4 Alpha Choice transferred its shareholding in Hereford United FC (1939) Ltd. This stock transfer ends Alpha Choice’s involvement in Hereford United FC. We wish those actively involved in restoring the club’s success all the best.”

The company are headed by Alan McCarthy, who never issued a personal statement during his time at the club. Both United and McCarthy were given a deadline of 4pm last Thursday by the FA to adhere to the FA’s owners’ and directors’ test after being fined £500 each, which the FA said was met. But the governing body said they could not comment on any latest developments.

United are back in court this Monday to contest their ongoing winding up petition. Last week, Lonsdale said he would personally pay all creditors after investor Doug Carroll withdrew his offer after allegedly receiving threats. A letter, provided by European Finance Guarantee Ltd, revealed the company had on deposit $9million in favour of Lonsdale, with £5million being available within 15 working days, which could therefore take it past Monday’s hearing.

Lonsdale said he has not heard from any creditor since last week, adding that only four people have contacted him since November 10. One person who claims she is owed nearly £4,000 is former chef Sarah Tranter, a figure Lonsdale disputes.

“If she acknowledges the money she has had from myself and the club in writing, we’ll pay her what she’s owed the same day,” he said.

“The money she is claiming is before taking into account PAYE and national insurance. She’s already had approximately £1,900 from myself and the club and the first time we paid her I went to the bank with her and withdrew the money from my own account.”

Former United photographer Steve Niblett has raised around £900 for Tranter, while a signed Jack Wilshere England shirt, provided by former Bull Gareth Davies, has achieved a bid of £1,000.

That will go to any former youth player who is still owed money, said Niblett. Meanwhile, Lonsdale has agreed to address members of Hereford United Supporters Trust at Pegasus’ Old School Lane next Thursday.

But Lonsdale said it should open to all fans.

“I want HUST to come to the club, but they’ve refused,” he said.